Edinburgh has long been on my ‘want to go’ list, friends who studied there, still visit almost annually, others who dislike the Summer months in Malta, migrate there for a month or so, theatre types I know go -and not just for the Fringe, so when a Lindy Exchange – basically a chance to swing dance day and night – was scheduled for a weekend in Sepember, I booked ‘B. Quick.’
With so many references for recommendation, I stayed at The Inn Place and it was super simple to get the bus from the airport – arriving 100m from the hotel. The hotel is up a hill, but so is much of the city. The hotel is well positioned close to the Royal Mile, the museums and main train station, a 10- minute walk from a new shopping mall, but most importantly for me, between the venues the dances were being held at.
A simple space with super friendly staff – it really felt like a home from home.
The architecture and green open spaces really impressed me – not ruined by modern monstrosities – and surrounded by hills and smattered with parks, I could easily see why people flock here on repeat. Just a few meters from wherever you are, there seemed to be a completely different section. One street, multi-coloured ‘houses’ full of independent stores and restaurants from around the world. The Harry Potter locations, the Dark History ….. Then the grand boulevard style streets with heritage brands and pubs that feed your soul, and parks-a-plenty with pop up markets, picnickers feasting on food truck delights.
Edinburgh merits at least a 4 day stay. I cheated and did a ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus tour, as the dancing and a half day trip to Glasgow to meet a friend (1 hour train about Eur 20 return) took much of my time, but I still managed to spend some steps between events and on the days of travel to purchase a Harris Tweed suit, a couple of bonny bonnets (OK, hats) and sample in may delights – including a Haggis Pasty from a boutique bakers, which was enough for two meals … but I ate it for one!
Edinburgh attracts plenty of stag and hen parties, but don’t let that put you off. I didn’t see anyone trolleyed—or being pushed around in one—and although the hotel was on a pedestrianised street, late-night revellers didn’t disturb me, even with the windows open. One tip I would give is to take shoes with a bit of grip – it drizzled just once – but walking downhill was a bit precarious. And there is plenty of walking to be done and steps to traverse between areas (look for the narrow openings between buildings and you’ll find your way to another level of Edinburgh. The GPS isn’t lying!
There are direct flights – though I flew KM and KLM through Amsterdam because of timings – but once there, the trains and buses are frequent and easy to use.
